ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

02.24.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces targeted a Taliban leader responsible for orchestrating large scale suicide attacks throughout southern Afghanistan and detained several suspected insurgents during a security operation in Kandahar City, Kandahar province, Feb. 24.

The Taliban leader is actively involved in planning and coordinating suicide-improvised explosive device attacks on Afghan National Army and coalition forces. The targeted leader is subordinate to the provincial military leader who ordered his return to Afghanistan from Pakistan to carry out attacks. He was involved in the suicide attack at the Kandahar City police headquarters Feb. 12 that killed several Afghans and wounded numerous others.

Coalition forces followed leads to a targeted compound where they called for the occupants to exit the buildings before conducting a search. Several suspected insurgents were detained after initial questioning at the scene.

In other ISAF news throughout Afghanistan:

South

ISAF confirmed Feb. 24 that two Taliban leaders were detained during Afghan and coalition operations in Kandahar and Helmand provinces Feb. 23.

The Taliban leader detained in Kandahar Feb. 23 operated in Kandahar City and Arghandab District, where he was responsible for ambushes and IED attacks. He received rockets and ammunition from other Taliban leaders in the area and received orders from a Pakistan-based Taliban leader.

The Taliban leader detained in Helmand Feb. 23 had influence over insurgents throughout the district. He was directly involved in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, kidnapping of Afghan civilians and had direct contact with multiple Taliban leaders in the area to include the district Taliban shadow governor.

In Marjah District, Helmand province, an ISAF patrol discovered a weapons cache consisting of nine homemade explosive rockets and two 81 mm rounds, Feb. 24. The weapons were destroyed by security forces.

East

ISAF confirmed Feb. 23, a Haqqani network leader was detained during Afghan and coalition operations in Khost province, Feb. 23.

The network leader was responsible for a group of insurgents who conducted IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitated weapons and other insurgent supplies throughout the district.

In Gardez District, Paktiya province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban facilitator and detained several suspected insurgents during a security operation Feb. 24.

The facilitator operates in Baraki Barak District, Logar province and Gardez District, where he is a weapons and IED expert.

Security forces followed leads to a targeted compound in the district, where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. Several suspected insurgents were detained after initial questioning at the scene.

In Pul-e ‘Alam District, Logar province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban facilitator and detained one suspected insurgent during a security operation yesterday.

The facilitator is an IED specialist who has ties to multiple insurgents within the province.

Security forces followed leads to a targeted location in the district, where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. One suspected insurgent was detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

In Nejrab District, Kapisa province, an ISAF patrol discovered a weapons cache consisting of one 75 mm mortar, 16 mortar shells, two electronic devices and 33 12.7 cartridges. All weapons have been or will be destroyed by security forces.

• Date Taken: 02.24.2011
• Date Posted: 02.24.2011 23:27
• Story ID: 66031
• Location: KABUL, AF